Architecture and the Environment

Architecture and the Environment Paper Most often, the quality of life and one’s health is attributed to factors such a healthy diet, one’s activity level, lifestyle, and even genetic predisposition. Seldom mentioned is architecture as responsible for one’s well-being. However, herein lies a mistake because how and where one lives does affect the way one feels and behaves. Architecture is something surrounding the human population every day. Be it at home, at work, or anywhere else, architecture is always there. Affects of Physical Structure on Human Behavior Architectural design always played a significant aspect in one’s comfort and health. It is a different form of art surrounding one every day. Unfortunately, for years, it has not been considered this way and its benefits have not been recognized. However with the increasing research and interest in environmental conditions, greater interest in healthier living and the involvement of environmental psychology, the importance of architecture is finally being acknowledged for what it is. Today research is aware of the benefits and downsides that can come from physical structures. A person’s well-being and health is associated with structural design. One’s mood and productivity are related to the kind of architecture by which one is surrounded. The amount and size of windows in a room, openness, shape/form and size of a room, the type and amount of light, specific colors, air quality, noise, and toxic materials implemented in buildings have been related to the specific outcome of behaviors and certain health-related issues (Architecture and health, 2007). For instance, dark and cramped rooms, small or no windows at all, and the wrong type or too much bright light have been associated with mood swings, a decrease in productivity, stress, boredom, anemia, and the slowing down of one’s healing process (Mroczek, Mikitarian, Vieira & Rotarius, 2005). Understanding the importance